Cook felt “privileged” to have gotten the chance to play against Ponting

England captain Alastair Cook has paid tribute to former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting, calling him one of the greatest batsmen to ever step foot on the cricket field.

Playing against Ponting during the 2006 Ashes series, Cook noted how England struggled to pick up his wicket throughout the series.

“I can’t really sum up on what he has achieved,” Cook said. “As a batsman alone, he’s among the best batters I’ve seen. We just could not get him out in 2006.”

Cook stated that Ponting always looked unfazed while at the crease and added that the former Australia captain seemed to have all the time in the world when facing some of the quickest bowlers.

“He hits the ball as cleanly as I have ever seen a cricket ball being hit,” Cook said. “As a player of fast bowling, he had all the time in the world.”

The England captain also mentioned that it was a “privilege” to play against Ponting since he was an excellent and worthy “competitor”.

“He is an unbelievable competitor,” Cook added. “I am very privileged to have played against him. I wish him all the best in his retirement.”